Press Release

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Shelly J. Edgerton, who will join the firm’s Government Policy and Practice group as a senior counsel in the firm’s Lansing office on January 24, 2019. Edgerton joins Dykema after serving as Director and Chief Data Systems Officer of the State of Michigan’s Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Edgerton has more than 25 years of experience working in government at the local, state legislative and executive levels. In her role as Director of LARA, she was responsible for regulatory oversight and licensing management for the State of Michigan, and oversight of more than 2,000 employees for 23 bureaus and agencies, including Medical Marihuana, Fire, Building, Corporations, Occupational Safety & Health Administration, Workers Compensation, Professional Licensing, Community & Health Systems, Liquor, and Energy. She also oversaw the management of LARA’s IT and data systems.

In her legal practice, Edgerton will help clients navigate the regulatory waters and program management of local and state government. She will provide counsel on policy and strategic development, IT project management, the implementation of new regulatory programs, and a wide variety of other government and regulatory matters.

“Shelly brings tremendous experience on complex issues faced by Michigan government and has a unique perspective that will benefit the firm and our clients on a myriad of public issues,” said Steve Liedel, Managing Member of Dykema’s Lansing Office. Sandi Cotter, Director of Dykema’s Regulated Industries Department and Leader of its Government Policy and Practice Group added, “We’re thrilled Shelly is able to join our practice. Her deep understanding of the ins and outs of how to get things done in Lansing will give us a great boost.”

Edgerton earned a J.D. from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, as well as a Masters of Public Administration and B.S. in Political Science from Western Michigan University.